Pittsburgh Steelers Fanatic

When the ridiculous becomes absurd

2009-12-11T21:17:00.000-08:00

The Steelers may not have much fight left in them, but apparently some of their parents still do.

Live Blogging: Steelers @ Cleveland

2009-12-10T17:31:00.000-08:00

Fourth Quarter
That's the ball game ~ when did we become the Detroit Lions, and what happened to the team that won the Super Bowl nine months ago?

1:48: One timeout left and 40+ yards from the end zone ~ looks promising.

My bad ~ that was the eighth sack of the game.

The Steelers are now on the verge of losing five consecutive games for the first time since 1999 ~ a season in which they lost six consecutive games. In that stretch ten seasons ago the Steelers lost to Cleveland, Cincinnati, Baltimore, and Kansas City amongst others.

Brady Quinn is horrible, which begs the question why doesn't the Steelers' defense have nine defenders in the box on every play? Wildcat or no wildcat, you have to challenge Cleveland.

8:05: Joshua Cribbs runs for a first down, and to quote Tunch Ilkin "How [does the Steelers' defense] not make that play?"

Can the Steelers actually score a touchdown?

Third Quarter
0:12: And the drive falls apart.

0:55: Hey Ben, throw the **** ball!

As the third quarter draws to a close, I have just one question: Where's the no-huddle?

2:15: A Steelers' running back catches a pass!

At this point it seems germane to mention that the Steelers record for most sacks allowed in a game is 12, versus Dallas, on November 20, 1966.

5:45: And it is sack #8.

6:44: On replay it looked like Rashard Mendenhall missed a hole made by Chris Kemoeatu.

7:08: Can't anyone in the Steelers secondary catch the football?

10:10: Chris Jennings, who had 29 yards rushing in the first half gets 15 on his first carry of the second; and Ike Taylor is blocked out of the play by a wide receiver.

10:37: A poor throw, and no help from Santonio. The Steelers are 1-for-8 on third downs. Ben had better try getting some other wideouts involved in the passing game.

12:37: A spectacular catch by Santonio Holmes!!

13:09: Steelers convert their first third down.

An impressive start to the second half.

Second Quarter
0:41: Though they are down by 13 points the Steelers may still come back to win this game. However, I do not care what anyone says ~ this Steelers team has quit. The first half has been an embarrassment.

There is losing, and then there is ~ if Mike Tomlin does not follow through on his threat to change personnel then he is not the coach I thought him to be.

7:24: Ike Taylor surrenders a field goal.

8:36: Someone please explain what Ike Taylor was doing on that play.

9:25: The Outside Linebackers are beginning to warm up.

10:26: Oh my, the offense is dreadful. 0-for-5 on third down.

The highlight of the night (so far): The E*Trade "Shankapotamus" commercial ~ I never get tired of that one.

12:04: A great series for LaMarr Woodley!

13:16: A sack ~ beautiful!

Ben is sacked for the third time ~ at what point do I turn on "The Office"?

First Quarter
0:00: Thus concludes the most boring quarter of Steelers regular season football in a very long time.

1:55: Everyone holds their breath as Ben takes off running.

2:58: I smell desperation in the air.

2:58: The Steelers cannot convert on third down ~ pathetic.

Is it me, or is this the least dynamic game environment for a Steelers contest . . . ever?

3:36: David Johnson drops a pass ~ nothing good has happened yet when the Steelers have thrown the ball.

3:51: Special teams surrender three points.

3:55: LaMarr Woodley misses an opportunity at a turnover.

5:01: Daniel Sepulveda is the only member of the special teams who can tackle.

5:49: What in the world is with the play calling?

7:17: Lawrence Timmons off to a rocky start ~ whiff on the blitz.

7:20: Joe Burnett with one pass defended.

8:35: The Browns are already 2-for-3 on third down ~ Lawrence Timmons has to be aware of the ball and the receiver when he is in coverage.

Third-and-one, and Bruce Arians calls a pass play? Who has a phone number for Charlie Weis?

Quote of the Day

2009-12-09T08:02:00.000-08:00

One of our favorite players is Ryan Clark ~ does anyone hit harder? Well, in an article in today's Tribune Review Mr. Clark pulled no punches as to the recent announcement from Mike Tomlin regarding possible lineup changes:

They don't pay us to compete. They don't pay us to keep it close. They pay us to win football games, and when you don't win football games, they try to figure out why.

Exactly.

Do-it-yourself Simulations

2009-12-05T22:01:00.000-08:00

The Wall Street Journal, a bastion of sports reportage, has embedded an "AccuScore NFL Plaoff Simulator" on its website; and you can assess the chances of another Steelers' Super Bowl victory.

In my simulation the Steelers were eliminated in the Wild Card round by the New England Patriots (and the Colts were crowned as champions).

Special Teams Upgrade

2009-12-02T20:52:00.000-08:00

Tuesday evening Big Dan the 'Burgh Man and I had a wide-ranging conversation regarding Steelers football; and one of the topic we touched upon had to do with the decisions to release special teams standouts Chidi Iwuoma, Arnold Harrison, and (the free agency departure of) Sean Morey.

While it is true that Steelers special teams have been a weak spot for years it is hard not to wax nostalgic about players who were effective in the role.

Happily, it seems that Kevin Colbert and Mike Tomlin have settled upon at least one player from the past who they believe may make a difference. The Post-Gazette is reporting that Anthony Madison is back in the fold.

Let us all hope that he is capable of correcting whatever it is that has been causing the kick coverage units to be so woeful.

National Football League institutes concussion policy

2009-12-02T15:04:00.000-08:00

Some will call this a "new" policy, but the view from here is that a sea change is underway at the NFL corporate offices. Here is the full-text of the statement released today:

NFL ADOPTS STRICTER STATEMENT ON RETURN-TO-PLAY FOLLOWING CONCUSSIONS

COMMISSIONER ROGER GOODELL notified NFL teams today that a new and expanded statement on return-to-play for a player who sustains a concussion will take effect with games beginning this week.

The stricter 2009 statement on return-to-play was developed by the NFL’s medical committee on concussions in conjunction with team doctors, outside medical experts, and the NFL Players Association in order to provide more specificity in making return-to-play decisions. The new guidance supplements the 2007 statement on return-to-play that encouraged team physicians and athletic trainers to continue to take a conservative approach to treating concussions and established that a player should not return to the same game after a concussion if the team medical staff determined that he had lost consciousness.

The 2009 statement advises that a player who suffers a concussion should not return to play or practice on the same day if he shows any signs or symptoms of a concussion that are outlined in the return-to-play statement. It further states:

“Once removed for the duration of a practice or game, the player should not be considered for return-to-football activities until he is fully asymptomatic, both at rest and after exertion, has a normal neurological examination, normal neuropsychological testing, and has been cleared to return by both his team physician(s) and the independent neurological consultant. A critical element of managing concussions is candid reporting by players of their symptoms following an injury. Accordingly, players are to be encouraged to be candid with team medical staffs and fully disclose any signs or symptoms that may be associated with a concussion.”

Based on the 2009 statement, a player who suffers a concussion should not return to play or practice on the same day if any of the following symptoms or signs is identified based on the initial medical evaluation of the player:

[1]. Loss of consciousness;

[2]. Confusion as evidenced by disorientation to person, time or place; inability to respond appropriately to questions; or inability to remember assignments or plays;

[3]. Amnesia as evidenced by a gap in memory for events occurring just prior to the injury; inability to learn and retain new information; or a gap in memory for events that occurred after the injury;

[4]. Abnormal neurological examination, such as abnormal pupillary response, persistent dizziness or vertigo, or abnormal balance on sideline testing.

[5]. New and persistent headache, particularly if accompanied by photosensitivity, nausea, vomiting or dizziness;

[6]. Any other persistent signs or symptoms of concussion.

“The evidence demonstrates that team medical staffs have been addressing concussions in an increasingly cautious and conservative way,” Commissioner Goodell said in a memo to the NFL clubs. “This new return-to-play statement reinforces our commitment to advancing player safety. Along with improved equipment, better education, and rules changes designed to reduce impacts to the head, it will make our game safer for the men who play it, and set an important example for players at all levels of play.”

Bold Prediction

2009-11-29T17:03:00.000-08:00

The feeling here is that, unless the Steelers' defense scores points or dominates the turnover game, that the Steelers may be shutout for the first time in the Mike Tomlin era, and the first time since November 26, 2006 when they lost to none other than Baltimore (on the road), 27-0.

Concussion Research Moving in a Better Direction

2009-11-24T22:15:00.000-08:00

The state of the health and well-being of those who play, and have played, in the National Football League has been an abiding concern of this little blog. The league's stance as recently as last season ~ i.e. that more research was required before making any determinations ~ reminded many of the tobacco companies (1960-1990).

Now comes word that the league is shaking things up.

Whether the departure of doctors Ira Casson and Dr. David Viano will result in fundamental changes to the work of the league's committee on brain injuries, or if they are being sacrificed for some other reason, remains to be seen. The reality is that other respected scientists have all but decided that collisions between large, fast moving individuals are indeed harmful to the long-term health of those individuals.

The league would do well to treat this as a decided issue and turn its attention to both the enhanced safety of current players and the long-term care of those who played the game and are now suffering because of that participation.

A new page in the playbook

2009-11-19T14:14:00.000-08:00

Next time the Steelers are deep in the opposing team's territory and they are looking for a play that will surely take the opponent by surprise perhaps they should give this one, used by Bethel College in their game versus Sterling College, a try:

Record setting performance

2009-11-18T15:12:00.001-08:00

The folks at Pro Football Outsiders have a special take on the Steelers' special teams

Pittsburgh has had problems on special teams for years, but this year things have hit rock bottom. The Steelers have given up three touchdowns on kick returns in just the last four games. How bad is it? Pittsburgh is threatening what I thought was an untouchable record: Worst net kickoff value in DVOA history.

Read the entire article, if you dare, by clicking here.

Minnesota v. Steelers: The Weekly Matchup

2009-10-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

If the numbers never lie then this game is going to be very close ~ for all the hype the Vikings defense is getting their numbers are fairly pedestrian. But there is no denying that the Minnesota offense if operating at a highly effective level.

Also worth noting is the ineffectiveness of the Steelers' punt return unit. For all the excitement that Stefan Logan generated during the summer it does not appear to have translated into much since the regular season began.

Minnesota Offense v. Steelers Defense
Average total yards per game: Minnesota offense 14th (348.2) v. Steelers defense 3rd (275.2)

Average net rushing yards per game: Minnesota offense 9th (125.0) v. Steelers defense 2nd (74.5)

Average net passing yards per game: Minnesota offense 13th (223.2) v. Steelers defense 12th (200.7)

Average points per game: Minnesota offense 2nd (31.5) v. Steelers defense 11th (18.67)

Steelers Offense v. Minnesota Defense
Average total yards per game: Steelers offense 5th (403.7) v. Minnesota defense 18th (341.8)

Average net rushing yards per game: Steelers offense 15th (107.0) v. Minnesota defense 9th (93.5)

Average net passing yards per game: Steelers offense 2nd (296.7) v. Minnesota defense 24th (248.3)

Average points per game: Steelers offense: 14th (23.33) v. Minnesota defense 18th (20.17)

Special Teams
Average yards per punt return: Minnesota 4th (13.1) v. Steelers 22nd (6.4)

Average yards allowed per punt return: Minnesota 13th (7.8) v. Steelers 11th (7.7)

Average yards per kick return: Minnesota 5th (25.9) v. Steelers 7th (25.1)

Average yards allowed per kick return: Minnesota 9th (21.3) v. Steelers 16th (22.9)

Net yardage punting average: Minnesota 15th (38.2) v. Steelers 9th (40.2)

Opponent net yardage punting average: Minnesota 10th (37.1) v. Steelers 27th (40.6)

Miscellaneous
Turnover differential: Minnesota 3rd (+8) v. Steelers 14th (-4)

Time of possession: Minnesota 7th (31:29) v. Steelers 4th (33:52)

Red Zone touchdown efficiency (touchdowns): Minnesota 1st (65.2%) v. Steelers 2nd (65.0%)

Red Zone defense (touchdowns): Minnesota 2nd (33.3%) v. Steelers 24th (58.3%)

Sacks allowed: Minnesota 21st (14) v. Steelers 24th (16)

Some Individual Numbers
NFC passer rating: Brett Favre, 2nd (109.5) v. AFC passer rating Ben Roethlisberger, 2nd (104.5)

NFC leading rushers: Adrian Peterson, 1st (624 yards) v. AFC leading rushers: Rashard Mendenhall, 8th (349 yards)

NFC leading receivers: Sidney Rice, 16th (23 catches, 409 yards, 17.78 per catch, 2 touchdowns) v. AFC leading receivers: Hines Ward, 1st (41 catches, 599 yards, 14.61 yards per catch, 2 touchdowns)

NFC sack Leaders: Jared Allen, 1st (7.5) v. AFC sack leaders: James Harrison, 2nd (6.0)

NFC interception Leaders: Chad Greenway (OLB) & Cedric Griffin (CB), 4th (tie) 2 each, 0 touchdowns v. Troy Polamalu, 2nd (tie) 2, 0 touchdowns

Simulation predicts close game

2009-10-21T09:16:00.000-07:00

The folks at Whatifsports ran 10,000 simulations of this week's Vikings versus Steelers contest and predicts that the Vikings will win, probably in a squeaker.

How close? The average score was Minnesota 23.8-Steelers 23.4.

The web page for this simulated game includes a whole host of simulated statistics ~ very interesting stuff!

Cleveland v. Steelers: The Numbers Never Lie

2009-10-18T23:15:00.000-07:00

Each week (or nearly so) I bring you a statistical comparison of the Steelers and their opponent. Now I've decided to give you a look at the actual numbers. What follows is in the same format of the weekly statistics, only now you'll see the actual numbers. Where applicable the season average(s) is included in parentheses.

For this week the only question is why was the game so close?

Cleveland Offense v. Steelers Defense
Total yards: Cleveland offense actual, 197 (248.4) v. Steelers defense average 290.8

Net rushing yards: Cleveland offense actual, 91 (106.2) v. Steelers defense average, 71.2

Net passing yards: Cleveland offense actual, 106 (142.2) v. Steelers defense average, 219.6

Total points: Cleveland offense actual, 14 (11.0) v. Steelers defense average, 19.6

Steelers Offense v. Cleveland Defense
Total yards: Steelers offense actual, 543 (375.8) v. Cleveland defense average, 380.2

Net rushing yards: Steelers offense actual, 140 (100.4) v. Cleveland defense average, 170.4

Net passing yards: Steelers offense actual, 403 (275.4) v. Cleveland defense average, 209.8

Total points: Steelers offense actual, 27 (22.6) v. Cleveland defense average, 24.2

Special Teams
Punt return yardage: Cleveland 1 return, 26 yards (16.3) v. Steelers 1 return, 1 yard (6.8)

Average yards allowed per punt return: Cleveland 19th (8.3) v. Steelers 6th (6.0)

Kick return yardage: Cleveland 5 returns, 153 yards, 30.6 yards per kick (23.4) v. Steelers 2 returns, 55 yards, 27.5 yards per kick (23.7)

Season average yards allowed per kick return: Cleveland 16th (22.8) v. Steelers 10th (21.2)

Net yardage punting: Cleveland 38.8 yards (38.8) v. Steelers 22.5 yards (42.2)

Opponent net yardage punting season average: Cleveland 3rd (34.5) v. Steelers 24th (40.9)

Miscellaneous
Turnover differential actual: Cleveland 0 (-5) v. Steelers 0 (-5)

Time of possession actual: Cleveland 23:14 (28:26) v. Steelers 36:46 (33:18)

Red Zone touchdown efficiency actual (touchdowns): Cleveland 50.0% (27.3%) v. Steelers 50.0% (68.8%)

Red Zone defense season average (touchdowns): Cleveland 13th (47.6%) v. Steelers 23rd (60.0%)

Sacks allowed actual: Cleveland 2 (2.8 average per game) v. Steelers 3 (2.6 average per game)

Some Individual Numbers
Passer rating actual: Derek Anderson, 51.0 (39.0) v. Ben Roethlisberger, 113.6 (102.6)

Leading rushers actual: Joshua Cribbs, 45 yards v. Rashard Mendenhall, 62 yards

Leading receiver actual: M. Massaquoi (5 catches, 83 yards, 16.6 yards per catch, 0 touchdowns) v. Hines Ward, 8 catches, 159 yards, 19.9 yards per catch, 1 touchdown

Sack Leaders actual: David Bowen & Brandon McDonald 1.0 each v. Lawrence Timmons, 2.0

Interception Leaders actual: Brodney Pool, 1 v. Troy Polamalu & Ryan Clark 1 each

Cleveland v. Steelers: The Weekly Matchup

2009-10-16T09:25:00.000-07:00

Looking at the statistics it seems that the Browns have achieved their 1-4 record so far this season on merit. One number that screamed out ~ their leading receiver is a fullback; and while he is the Browns' only top 50 receiver (amongst AFC receivers) the Steelers have five.

Cleveland Offense v. Steelers Defense
Average total yards per game: Cleveland offense 31st (248.4) v. Steelers defense 5th (290.8)

Average net rushing yards per game: Cleveland offense 16th (106.2) v. Steelers defense 3rd (71.2)

Average net passing yards per game: Cleveland offense 30th (142.2) v. Steelers defense 14th (219.6)

Average points per game: Cleveland offense 30th (11.0) v. Steelers defense 14th (19.6)

Steelers Offense v. Cleveland Defense
Average total yards per game: Steelers offense 7th (375.8) v. Cleveland defense 29th (380.2)

Average net rushing yards per game: Steelers offense 21st (100.4) v. Cleveland defense 32nd (170.4)

Average net passing yards per game: Steelers offense 4th (275.4) v. Cleveland defense 10th (209.8)

Average points per game: Steelers offense: 14th (22.6) v. Cleveland defense 23rd (24.2)

Special Teams
Average yards per punt return: Cleveland 1st (16.3) v. Steelers 20th (6.8)

Average yards allowed per punt return: Cleveland 19th (8.3) v. Steelers 6th (6.0)

Average yards per kick return: Cleveland 13th (23.4) v. Steelers 6th (23.7)

Average yards allowed per kick return: Cleveland 16th (22.8) v. Steelers 10th (21.2)

Net yardage punting average: Cleveland 18th (38.8) v. Steelers 6th (42.2)

Opponent net yardage punting average: Cleveland 3rd (34.5) v. Steelers 24th (40.9)

Miscellaneous
Turnover differential: Cleveland 29th (-5) v. Steelers 29th (-5)

Time of possession: Cleveland 25th (28:26) v. Steelers 4th (33:18)

Red Zone touchdown efficiency (touchdowns): Cleveland 31st (27.3%) v. Steelers 3rd (68.8%)

Red Zone defense (touchdowns): Cleveland 13th (47.6%) v. Steelers 23rd (60.0%)

Sacks allowed: Cleveland 24th (14) v. Steelers 23rd (13)

Some Individual Numbers
AFC Passer rating: Derek Anderson, 17th (39.0) v. Ben Roethlisberger, 2nd (102.6)

AFC Leading rushers: Jamal Lewis, 14th (212 yards) v. Rashard Mendenhall, 8th (287 yards)

AFC Leading receiver: Jerome Harrison, 48th (14 catches, 88 yards, 6.29 per catch, 0 touchdowns) v. Hines Ward, 2nd (33 catches, 440 yards, 13.33 yards per catch, 1 touchdown)

AFC Sack Leaders: Kamerion Wimbley, 6th (4.0) v. James Harrison, 4th (6.0)

AFC Interception Leaders: Brodney Pool, 22nd (1, 0 touchdowns) v. Troy Polamalu, 22nd (1, 0 touchdowns)

Aaron Smith's Impact

2009-10-15T08:33:00.000-07:00

The media and fans alike are now suddenly acknowledging just how important Aaron Smith has been to the success of the Steelers' defense in defending the run; and as simple, declarative statements are made as to the impact of his loss there is very little . . . oh, what do you call that . . . evidence . . . being offered up. So, in order to place Aaron Smith's value in some kind of context, we present the numbers.

As has been mentioned here before, the end of the 2007 season (the last time Mr. Smith missed significant time) saw the Steelers' defense transformed from the NFL's #1 unit to something very less fearsome. In the final six games of the 2007 season (five regular season games and one playoff game) the Pittsburgh defense surrendered 725 yards on 158 carries, for a 4.59 yards per carry average. By way of contrast in the preceding eleven games, all of which Mr. Smith played, the defense gave up 848 yards on 232 carries, for a 3.66 yards per carry average.

Of course 2008 saw Mr. Smith return to the lineup, and during last season the defense gave up an average of 4.0 yards, or more, per carry twice ~ 4.0 yards per carry versus the Redskins and 6.1 yards per carry versus New England.

Finally, so far this season the defense has surrendered an average of 4.0 yards, or more, per carry twice ~ against Cincinnati (19 carries, 100 yards, 5.3 yards per carry) and Detroit (110 yards, 25 carries, 4.4 yards per carry).

I do not expect much from the Browns ~ certainly they will try to run, and there is little doubt that they will run at whomever is on the field for Mr. Smith ~ but the real concern is October 25th when the Steelers host Adrian Peterson. Once can only hope that the committee of players replacing Aaron Smith is up to the task.

Here comes trouble

2009-10-13T17:10:00.000-07:00

Word out of Pittsburgh is that Aaron Smith will be missing from this weekend's game, and maybe a substantial number of games besides that. The Steelers have been down this road before ~ i.e. missing their All-Pro caliber defensive end ~ and the results were not pretty.

For a look back to the last time Aaron Smith missed substantial action, a look back that played out more like a nightmare, click here for one of the more illuminating statistical analyses ever completed by Pittsburgh Steelers Fanatic.

Was there ever any doubt?

2009-10-08T10:42:00.000-07:00

Pittsburgh is the number one sports city in America.

No kidding.

The Sporting News made it official, and you can read all about it right here

You can also read about what it is to be a displaced 'Burgher here here.

Really?

2009-10-06T11:00:00.000-07:00

The nice folks at Sports Illustrated passed along this item from the new issue (on sale Tuesday):

Brett Favre I get (though his performance on Monday night was pretty impressive), but Ben Roethlisberger?

Really?

Steelers @ Detroit: The Weekly Matchup

2009-10-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

For all the grief that the Lions take for being a moribund franchise, their numbers so far this season are not so dissimilar from the Steelers'. Whether that is cause for hope for Lions fans or reason for a general panic in Pittsburgh remains to be seen.

One thing that jumps out is that if Stefan Logan does not have a big day on Sunday he may never have one.

Detroit Offense v. Steelers Defense
Average total yards per game: Detroit offense 18th (318.8) v. Steelers defense 6th (279.3)

Average net rushing yards per game: Detroit offense 19th (101.5) v. Steelers defense 3rd (61.5)

Average net passing yards per game: Detroit offense 16th (217.3) v. Steelers defense 16th (218.3)

Average points per game: Detroit offense 17th (20.75) v. Steelers defense 12th (19.5)

Steelers Offense v. Detroit Defense
Average total yards per game: Steelers offense 6th (383.8) v. Detroit defense 21st (355.7)

Average net rushing yards per game: Steelers offense 17th (100.8) v. Detroit defense 19th (361.5)

Average net passing yards per game: Steelers offense 3rd (278.8) v. Detroit defense 25th (240.3)

Average points per game: Steelers offense: 15th (21.25) v. Detroit defense 14th (33.5)

Special Teams
Average yards per punt return: Detroit 3rd (16.0) v. Steelers 21st (6.8)

Average yards allowed per punt return: Detroit 27th (11.8) v. Steelers 8th (6.4)

Average yards per kick return: Detroit 21st (22.0) v. Steelers 15th (23.1)

Average yards allowed per kick return: Detroit 31st (29.9) v. Steelers 8th (21.1)

Net yardage punting average: Detroit 28th (34.4) v. Steelers 7th (41.9)

Opponent net yardage punting average: Detroit 17th (38.7) v. Steelers 25th (40.8)

Miscellaneous
Turnover differential: Detroit 23rd (-3) v. Steelers 29th (-5)

Time of possession: Detroit 7th (31:48) v. Steelers 4th (34:46)

Red Zone touchdown efficiency (touchdowns): Detroit 16th (53.8%) v. Steelers 7th (61.5%)

Red Zone defense (touchdowns): Detroit 25th (64.7%) v. Steelers 26th (66.7%)

Sacks allowed: Detroit 21st (10) v. Steelers 21st (10)

Some Individual Numbers
NFC passer rating: Matt Stafford, 15th(65.5) v. AFC passer rating Ben Roethlisberger, 3rd (98.1)

NFC leading rushers: Kevin Smith, 10th (234 yards) v. AFC leading rushers: Rashard Mendenhall, 11th (210 yards)

NFC leading receiver: Calvin Johnson, 7th (21 catches, 323 yards, 15.38 per catch, 1 touchdowns) v. Hines Ward, 4th (26 catches, 355 yards, 13.65 yards per catch, 0 touchdowns)

NFC Sack Leaders: Jason Hunter, 10th (2.0) v. James Harrison, 6th (3.0)

NFC Interception Leaders: Anthony Henry, 12th (1, 0 touchdown) v. Troy Polamalu, 8th (1, 0 touchdowns)

Concussions and their long-term affects

2009-09-29T15:05:00.000-07:00

The issue of player health and well-being has been an issue of great importance in the postings on this blog; and no issue captured my attention more than that of concussions and the impact of repeated concussions on the cognitive skills and memory of of players and former players.

No comes a report on a study conducted by the University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research that contributes to a growing body of literature that points to significant long-term memory issues for those players who suffer repeated concussions.

The study is far from perfect ~ it involved a phone interview of former players ~ but several researchers, including a former team doctor of the Steelers, believe that (to put this into the football vernacular) moves the ball down the field. One researcher went so far as to say that "there appears to be a problem with cognition in a group of N.F.L. football players at a relatively young age."

For their part the National Football League continues to employ the Phillip Morris defense ~ i.e. nothing has been proven, plenty of former players are fine, more research needs to be done ~ but promises it is taking the matter seriously.

Food for Thought

2009-09-28T07:55:00.000-07:00

I have had the Pittsburgh Steelers' official desk calendar every year of the past three years. Generally speaking I'd be hard pressed to recommend them, but Monday morning's little tidbit of information seems particularly relevant:

"After two consecutive Super Bowl wins, the 1976 Steelers began the season slowly, dropping four of their first five games. But they allowed a paltry 28 points over the next nine games - all of them victories - to win the division for the third year in a row."

Hope springs anew.

Let's hope it does not rain

2009-09-15T18:00:00.000-07:00

ESPN Chicago is reporting that the Bears are in the process of re-sodding Soldier Field. Bears' running back Matt Forte is concerned enough that he discussed the situation on radio station ESPN 1000.

Fans of the Steelers have their own special memories of how re-sodding projects can go horribly wrong. On Monday, November 24, 2007 the Steelers hosted the Miami Dolphins at Heinz Field. A driving rainstorm left the recently re-sodded surface a quagmire ~ who can forget the kicked ball sticking into the ground nose first? ~ with the Steelers winning 3-0 on a late field goal by Jeff Reed.

Current weather forecasts predict sunny weather for the Chicagoland area throughout the weekend, with rain moving in Monday evening. Let's hope the rain holds off at least that long.

Why does the NFL hate America?

2009-09-15T08:13:00.000-07:00

A recent posting at Consumerist.com about the relatively large number of games expected to be blacked out in local markets this season got me to wondering just why the NFL is so inflexible in its approach to permitting fans of the NFL, who happen live in this country, to watch the games live.

In that Consumerist posting NFL commissioner Roger Goodell expresses empathy for all the fans who, as a result of the economic downturn, are no longer able to purchase game tickets. For those fans who are unable to see their team play in person, and whose games are blacked out, the NFL will allow them to watch the game tape delayed, online.

It can be argued that something is better than nothing ~ this does represent something of a step in the right direction; however in Canada the Sunday Ticket package, which is only available via DirecTV in the United States, is available through cable operators. Moreover, in Europe NFL games stream live on the internet.

In an effort to cultivate fans in far-flung parts of the globe it seems that the NFL is, once again, giving short-shrift to those who made the league the financial and entertainment juggernaut that it is.

One more thing before I go: Are the owners coming unhinged?

2009-09-13T16:00:00.000-07:00

With a potential of a work stoppage looming off in the distance (something that too many of the NFL's media partners have ignored) it was interesting to read about comments from Jerry Jones concerning revenue sharing, and Roger Goodell's response.

There has been a simmering tension between the old school owners (e.g. the Rooney family, the Mara family, et al) and the new school owners (e.g. Jerry Jones, Dan Snyder, et al) ~ many of whom leveraged their respective finances to the hilt in order to obtain their respective franchise.

The ability of team's to compete in a real way (i.e. get to a Super Bowl), and not the sham competition that we see in major league baseball, is a direct result of the revenue sharing that was implemented decades ago under then NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle.

Jerry Jones has long chafed under the revenue sharing arrangement, and opted out of the NFL Properties revenue sharing plan years ago (after paying a fee to the league to do so). Additionally, Sports Illustrated reported nearly ten years ago of Jones' desire that teams retain all internet revenues for themselves while Patriots' owner Bob Kraft advocated a sharing of those revenues as well.

All of this is significant as it relates to the collective bargaining situation with the players. If the owners are divided amongst themselves it is not difficult to imagine a scenario in which the players can exploit that to their benefit.

Bringing Down the Curtain

2009-09-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

This blog (actually, it was originally "Steelers Fanatic") was created as an outlet for a passion about the greatest team in the National Football League. Along the way writing became a passion all its own, and for a few years the blog was tended to faithfully.

However, as you have no doubt noticed, the posts have become fewer and fewer and as a result it seems that it is now time to admit that despite a continued passion for the football the blogging does not hold the same allure it once did.

As a result the active phase for this blog is now at an end. There may be an occasional posting now and again, and the schedule and results will be maintained, but that is about all that will happen.

Thanks for reading and go Steelers!!